Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study
the inventory and responsible development of West Virginia’s
oil and gas resources.

Whereas, West Virginia has vast amounts of natural gas
resources that lye beneath land where the state is the mineral
owner; and

Whereas, Much of these resources may lay beneath the navigable
rivers of West Virginia; and

Whereas, There has yet to be an inventory of these resources;
and

Whereas, West Virginia should consider competitively bidding
the extraction of these resources; and

Whereas, By implementing such an inventory could only benefit
West Virginia citizens if open to sealed bids with a minimum
reserve royalty and $3500.00 bonus; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby
requested to study Inventory & Development of West Virginia’s oil
and gas resources to review the amount of available resources with
potential value investigating best practices for income generated;
and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2014, on
its findings, conclusions and recommendations together with drafts
of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations;
and, be it

Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this
study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be
paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on
Government and Finance.